Work

SGLT2 inhibitor upregulates myocardial genes for oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism in Gαq-mice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction with decreased ATP production and increased release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a hallmark of the failing heart. Although SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to improve myocardial metabolism in the failing heart, independent of diabetes, the effect on mitochondria is not clear. Objectives: Our goal was to test the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor ertugliflozin on mitochondrial gene expression and function in myocardium and isolated mitochondria from non-diabetic mice with dilated cardiomyopathy due to cardiac-specific over-expression of Gαq. Methods: Gαq and wild type (WT) littermates 4 weeks of age were treated for 16 weeks with or without the SGLT2 inhibitor ertugliflozin (ERTU) formulated in the chow (0.5 mg/g chow). Results: P NMR spectroscopy were decreased - and both were improved by ERTU. In Gαq mice, marked suppression of myocardial gene programs for oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism was reversed by ERTU. Conclusions: The SGLT2 inhibitor ERTU corrected the expression of myocardial gene programs for oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism, and was associated with increased production of ATP, decreased release of mitochondrial ROS, and amelioration of the consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction on myocardial structure and function.

Source: Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology Plus

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmccpl.2025.100296